End connector for watchband



March 8, 1966 J. F. SAND END CONNECTOR FOR WATCHBAND 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 14, 1964 INVENTOR. JHN F SHA/D HTTORNEYS March 8, 1966 J. F. SAND END CONNECTOR FOR WATCHBAND 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 14, 1964 United States Patent O 3,238,588 END CONNECTOR FOR WATCHBAND John F. Sand, Convent Station, NJ., assignor to Jacques Kreisler Manufacturing Corporation, North Bergen, NJ., a corporation of New Jersey Filed May 14, 1964, Ser. No. 367,430 6 Claims. (Cl. 24-265) My invention relates to an end connector for a watchband and more particularly to an end connector which, while being readily attachable to and removable from the bail of a watch case, is normally concealed from View.

Various forms of end connectors are known in the prior ,art for -securing bands t-o watch cases. For mens watches these securing means generally present no problem. However, where relatively small ladies watches are involved, diculties have arisen in securing bands to the cases. In some instances, the band is permanently secured to the bail on the watch case or the like. While it performs satisfactorily for the life of the band, it is relatively difficult to secure to the watch case and is not readily replaceable.

It has been suggested in the prior art that there be provided end connectors which may detachably secure a watchband to a watch casing. These detachable connectors embody a number of defects. First, they are relatively complicated and cumbersome. Moreover, .the danger exists that they may accidentally become detached from the watch with the resultant danger of damage thereto. Detachable connectors of the type known in the prior art generally expose to view some mechanical parts which detract from the appearance of the watch. This is most undesirable since the watch, while it is a utilitarian article, is, especially in the case of ladies watches, considered an article of jewelry wherein an attractive appearance is of great importance.

I have invented a readily releasable end connector for watchbands by means of which the band can readily be attached to and removed from the watch case. It securely holds the band to the watch without appreciable danger of accidentally becoming disconnected therefrom. My releasable end connector normally is concealed from view so as not to detract from the appearance ofthe watch. It is especially adapted for use in connection with expansible bands wherein it makes use of already existing parts of the band. It is simple in construction for the result achieved thereby.

One object of my invention is to provide an end connector for watchbands which permits the band to be readily attached to and removed from a watch case.

Another object of my invention is to provide a releasable end connector for a watchband which reduces the danger of the band accidentally coming free of the watch.

A further object of my invention is to provide an end connector for a watchband in which the connecting element normally is concealed from View.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide an end connector for a watchband which is especially adapted for use in connection with an expansible band.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a releasable end connector for a watchband which is relatively simple.

In general my invention contemplates the provision of an end connector fora watchband comprising a spring in which a housing carried by the band normally conceals from view a hook connected to one of the band links. The housing incorporates a guide which positions the hook Within the housing so as to prevent accidental disengagement of the hook from the watch case. In response to tension applied to the band, the hook moves out of the housing to a position at which it may readily be detached from the bail or the like of the watch case.

3,238,538 Patented Mar. 8, 1965 ICC In the accompanying drawings which form part of the instant speciiication and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view showing the normal condition of a connector and band secured to a watch case.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary top plan View of my end connector and a portion of the band with which it is associated, showing the positions of the parts with the connector housed.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary sectional View of my end connector and a band with which it is associated, showing the positions of the parts with the connector housed.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan view illustrating a detail of my end connector.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view of a watch connected to a band by my end connector showing the positions of the parts in the expanded condition of the band FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of my end connector and an associated band with parts broken away and with other parts shown in section in the expanded condition of the band with the connector exposed.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of my end connector and associated band with the band in its expanded condition with the connector exposed.

Referring now to the drawings, the band indicated by the reference character 10 with which my end connector indicated generally by the reference character 12 may be used, comprises a plurality of telescoping inner links 14 and outer links 16. Each inner link 14 is pivotally connected to an adjacent outer link by journal pins 18 formed in the sides of the outer link 16 and extending into openings 20 in the sides of the inner link. An elongated coil spring 22 extends throughout the length of the band or at least half of the band between a lug 24 on an end outer link 26 and a similar lug or the like at the other end of the band or half-band. The spring 22 normally urges the Iband to contracted condition in which the inner links 14 are telescoped within the outer links 16 and 26.

It will readily be appreciated that when tension is applied to the band 10, the inner links tend to move out of the outer links 16 and 26. l form the top of each of the inner links 14 with a guide boss 28 which rides in a slot 30 formed in the top of the corresponding outer link 16 or 26. Stop lugs 32 partially close one end of the slot 30 to limit the relative movement of the links as the band expands.

From the structure thus far described, it will readily be apparent that in the contracted condition of my band, the ends of adjacent outer links 26 and 16 abut each other. In this condition of the band, the links may pivot with respect to each other to accommodate the curvature of the wearers wrist. When tension is exerted on the band, the inner links 14 move out of telescoping relationship with the outer links 16 and 26 and bosses 28 ride in grooves 30 until they engage the stop lugs 32 to limit the expanding movement of the band. It will be evident that when the band is released,spring 22 returns it to contracted condition.

As lis known in the art, the outer links 16 and 26 may receive decorative caps. Since these caps per se form no part of my invention, lthey have not been described in detail. Moreover, as also is known in the art, expansible bands customarily are made in two connected halves. Since this fact in itself is not a consideration in my invention, I have shown only one half of a band.

My improved releasable end connector indicated generally by the reference character 12 comprises an inner shell base 34 having side walls 36 and 38. I form the sides of an outer link 16 remote from the end outer link 26 with respective grooves or scores 40 and 42. I cut the walls 36 and 38 remote from end outer link 26 and bend them slightly inward to form guide flanges 44 and 46 which are received by the gr-ooves 40 and 42 properly to position the inner or bottom shell 34 on the band. The portions of the walls 36 and 38 adjacent the end of the band are cut away to provide guide surfaces 48 and 50 for receiving and guiding the connecting hook to be described hereinafter.

The journal pins 18 of the end outer link 26 of the band receive a bearing portion 52 of a fitting 54 which receives the shaft 56 of the connecting hook 58.

My end connector includes an outer or top shell having a top 60, the end of which is provided with a V- shaped recess 62 for receiving a part of the Watch case to be described hereinafter. The top 60 has sides 64 and 66 provided with bottom ilanges 68. Flanges 68 carry tabs or ears 70.

After the bottom shell 34 has been properly located on the band by virtue of the engagement of the offsets 44 and 46 in the grooves 40 and 42, the top shell is slid over the band in a direction from lef't to right, as viewed in the drawings, with the bottom flanges engaging the underside of the base 34 of the inner shell. When the top shell 60 is properly positioned, the ears or lugs 70 are aligned with a slight depression 72 formed in the underside of the base 34. The lugs 70 then are bent over into the recess securely to hold the top shell 60 in position.

Hook 58 is adapted to be engaged with a decorative bail 74 carried by a watch case 76. As will be apparent from the structure thus far described, the extreme end outer link 26 is free to move with respect to the outer link 16 having the grooves 40 and 42 engaged by the oifsets 44 and 46. Thus, if the hook 58 is grasped, it can be withdrawn from the housing formed by the shells 34 and 69. When it is released, it will be retracted Within the housing and the hook 58 will be nested between the surfaces 48 and 50 of vthe bottom shell and the top 60 of the top shell. In this position, a very small portion of hook 58 is exposed to View ,through opening 62. As will be apparent from the description hereinafter, substantially all of this small exposed portion is concealed when the connector is secured tothe bail 74 and the hook is housed.

The manner in which I construct my end connector Will be apparent from the description hereinabove. After having located the bottom shell 34 on the band by engaging the offsets 44 and 46 in the grooves 40 and 42, the top shell 60 is slipped over the band until ears 70 register with depression 72. The ears are then bent down and the assembly is complete.

In use of my end connector, when it is desired to secure the band to a watch case, such as the case 76, hook 58 is withdrawn from the housing formed by shells 34 and 60 and the hook 58 is slipped through the bail 74. The parts of the band are then released and the band spring 22 draws hook 58 into the housing with the bail 74 occupying most of the space of the opening 62. In this position of the parts, hook 58 is substantially concealed from view. Moreover, as the hook moves into the housing, it nests between surfaces 48 and S0 and the top of the top shell 60. This feature prevents appreciable pivoting of -the hook with respect to connector 12 While permitting the bail 74 to pivot with respect to the hook. Thus, the parts cannot readily become disengaged. The band may readily be removed from the case 76 by reversing the sequence of operations described above.

While I have shown my end connector as being associated with a particular form of band, it will readily be understood that it is applicable to any type band. Though applicable to any type band, it is eminently suited for use with an expansible band since it makes use of an already existing spring of the band.

It will be seen that I have accomplished the objects of my invention. I have provided a readily releasable end connector for a watchband. It is especially adapted for use on an expansible band. While being readily releasable, it reduces the possibility of accidental disconnection of the band from the watch case. In its normal condition, the connecting par-t is substantially concealed from view. It is simple in construction for the result achieved thereby.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of my claims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details Within the scope of my claims without departing from the spirit of my invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the specic details shown and described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. An end connector assembly for securing a Watchband comprising a plurality of links including a terminal link to a case having a generally vertically disposed engageable element having a lateral opening, said watchband being urged to contracted condition by a spring, including in combination a generally horizontally disposed connector hook adapted to engage said element, an inner shell, means securing said inner shell to a link of said band other than said terminal link, an outer shell having a top formed with a notch, said outer shell being carried by said inner shell to form a housing adapted substantially to conceal said connector hook, and means mounting said connector hook on said terminal link whereby said spring normally urges said connector hook into said housing With said element disposed in said not-ch.

2. An end connector assembly for securing a watchband comprising a plurality of links including terminal links to a case having an rengageable element, said Watchband normally urged to contracted condition by a spring, including in combina-tion a connector adapted to engage said element, an inner shell, anges on said inner shell for engaging slots in a llink other than a terminal link to secure said inner shell to said other link, an outer shell carried by said inner shell to form a housing adapted `to conceal said connector, and means mounting said connector on said terminal link whereby said spring normally urges said connector into said housing While permitting it to be withdrawn therefrom against the action of said resilient means.

3. An end connector assembly for securing a Watchband comprising a plurality of links including terminal links to a case having an engageable element, said watchband normally urged to contracted condition by a spring, including in combination a connector adapted to engage said element, an inner shell, means securing said inner shell to a link of said band other than a terminal link, an outer shell disposed in telescoping relationship with said inner shell to form a housing adapted to conceal said connector, and means mounting said connector on said terminal link whereby said spring normally urges said connector into said housing while permitting it to be Withdrawn therefrom against the action of said resilient means.

4. An end connector assembly for securing an expansible watchband comprising a plurality of links including a terminal link to a case having an engageable element, said watchband being normally urged to contracted condition by resilient means, including in combination a connector adapted to engage said element, a housing having a top and a base, means securing said housing to a link of said band other than said terminal link, means mounting said connector for pivotal movement on said terminal link whereby said resilient means normally urges said connector into said housing while permitting it to be withdrawn therefrom against the action of said resilient means, said housing being adapted substantially to conceal said connector, and a ledge in said housing above said base, said ledge extending in the direction of the length of said links, said connector being disposed between said top and ledge when in said housing to limit the pivotal movement of said connector.

5. An end connector assembly for securing an expansible Watchband comprising a plurality of links including terminal links to a watch case having an engageable element, said watchband being normally urged to contracted state by resilient means, including in combination, a connector adapted to engage said element, a housing, means securing said housing to a link of said band other than said terminal links, and means mounting said connector on said terminal link whereby said resilient means normally urges said connector into said housing while permitting it to be Withdrawn therefrom against the action of said resilient means, said housing being adapted substantially to conceal said connector when in said housing.

6. An end connector assembly for securing an expansible watchband comprising a plurality of links including terminal links to a watch case having an engageable element, said Watchband being normally urged to contracted state by resilient means, including in combination a connector adapted to engage said element, a longitudinally tapered inner shell having inturned ilanges adjacent an end thereof, a link other than one of said terminal links having slots in the sides thereof, said anges engaged in said slots -to mount said inner housing on said link having said slots, a longitudinally tapered outer shell telescoped on `said inner shell, bendable tabs for holding said outer :shell assembled on `sai-d inner shell, and mean-s mounting .said connector on la terminal llink tto cau-se said resilient means normally yto position said connector into said shells, `said outer shell having a top, :said inner shell having a base and longitudinally extending side flanges providing ledges for receiving said connector when positioned in said housing and cooperating with said top to restrain said connector `again-st pivotal movement.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,114,289 10/1914 Rittenhouse. 1,271,041 7/1918 King 59-79 1,403,192 1/1922 Pfaus 24-239 2,732,684 1/1956 Augenstein. 2,747,779 5/1956 Speck et al. 2,826,900 3/1958 Augensteiri 63-5 FOREIGN PATENTS 835,685 5/1960 Great Britain.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner.

DONLEY J. STOCKING, Examiner. 

5. AN END CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING AN EXPANSIBLE WATCHBAND COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF LINKS INCLUDING TERMINAL LINKS TO A WACTH CASE HAVING AN ENGAGEABLE ELEMENT, SAID WATCHBAND BEING NORMALLY URGED TO CONTRACTED STATE BY RESILIENT MEANS, INCLUDING IN COMBINATION, A CONNECTOR ADAPTED TO ENGAGE SAID ELEMENT, A HOUSING, MEANS SECURING SAID HOUSING TO A LINK OF SAID BAND OTHER THAN SAID TERMINAL LINKS, AND MEANS MOUNTING SAID CONNECTOR ON SAID TERMINAL LINK WHEREBY SAID RESILIENT MEANS NORMALLY URGES SAID CONNECTOR INTO SAID HOUSING WHILE PERMITTING IT TO BE WITHDRAWN THEREFROM AGAINST THE ACTION OF SAID RESILIENT MEANS, SAID HOUSING BEING ADAPTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO CONCEAL SAID CONNECTOR WHEN IN SAID HOUSING. 